Bipolar I Disorder— defined by manic episodes that last at least 7 days, or by manic

symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care. Usually,
depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks. Episodes of
depression with mixed features (having depressive symptoms and manic symptoms at
the same time) are also possible.

Bipolar II Disorder— defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic

episodes, but not the full-blown manic episodes that are typical of Bipolar I Disorder.

Cyclothymic Disorder (also called Cyclothymia)— defined by periods of hypomanic

symptoms as well as periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least 2 years (1 year
in children and adolescents). However, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic
requirements for a hypomanic episode and a depressive episode.

CYCLOTHYMIC DISORDER

Cyclothymia (sy-kloe-THIE-me-uh), also called cyclothymic disorder, is a rare mood disorder.

Cyclothymia causes emotional ups and downs, but they're not as extreme as those in bipolar I
or II disorder.

With cyclothymia, you experience periods when your mood noticeably shifts up and down from
your baseline. You may feel on top of the world for a time, followed by a low period when you
feel somewhat down. Between these cyclothymic highs and lows, you may feel stable and fine.

BIPOLAR 1 & II

All types of bipolar disorder are characterized by episodes of extreme mood. The highs are
known as manic episodes. The lows are known as depressive episodes.

The main difference between bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 disorders lies in the severity of the manic
episodes caused by each type.

A person with bipolar 1 will experience a full manic episode, while a person with bipolar 2 will
experience only a hypomanic episode (a period that’s less severe than a full manic episode).

A person with bipolar 1 may or may not experience a major depressive episode, while a person
with bipolar 2 will experience a major depressive episode.

What is bipolar 2 disorder?

Bipolar 2 disorder involves a major depressive episode lasting at least two weeks and at least
one hypomanic episode (a period that’s less severe than a full-blown manic episode). People
with bipolar 2 typically don’t experience manic episodes intense enough to require
hospitalization.

Bipolar 2 is sometimes misdiagnosed as depression, as depressive symptoms may be the major

symptom at the time the person seeks medical attention. When there are no manic episodes to
suggest bipolar disorder, the depressive symptoms become the focus.

Bipolar I
at least one manic episode to be diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder. A person with bipolar 1
disorder may or may not have a major depressive episode. The symptoms of a manic episode
may be so severe that you require hospital care.